ABSTRACT
The ongoing process of breaking down cultural barriers and becoming culturally competent begins with an honest assessment of our personal values and an examination of the worldviews that shape the way we view others. This is a difficult process for most people because, most likely, these culturally shaped “lenses” through which we view the world have been cultivated for years within our ethnic communities, neighborhoods, families, and/or tribes (Dresser, 1996). After selfassessment, the next step to becoming culturally competent is to learn how to respect cultural differences. In fact, showing appreciation for cultural diversity is the beginning of a rewarding journey toward building trust, cross-cultural communication, and competence in working with diverse audiences. Studying cultural traditions, norms, practices, values, and learning styles can also enable family, youth, and community science professionals to effectively deliver education/services to connect with culturally diverse individuals on a deeper level.
